 Conquering the Noise Within 
""And the soil of my people, overgrown
with thorns and briers; For all the joyful
houses, the wanton city. Yes, the castle
will be forsaken, the noisy city deserted;
Down it comes, as trees come down in the
forest! The city will be utterly laid low.
Hill and tower will become wasteland forever
for wild asses to frolic in, and flocks to
pasture, Until the spirit from on high is
poured out on us. Then will the desert become
an orchard and the orchard be regarded as
a forest. Right will dwell in the desert
and justice abide in the orchard. Justice
will bring about peace; right will produce
calm and security. My people will live in
peaceful country, in secure dwellings and
quiet resting places." (1)
Noises
The noises of a complex life
Bombard the senses constantly;
The heart and mind absorb the strife
As life marches relentlessly.
The noises of a complex mind:
Thoughts scattered like a grinder's spray,
Fade quickly as they fall behind;
Forgotten in the disarray.
The noises of a complex heart:
Attachments screech cacophony,
Weary the will to play its part --
A slave of whim and misery.
The silence of a simple heart,
Detached with true humility,
Is centered on God's will -- apart
From noise -- it beats tranquility.
The silence of a simple mind,
Is ordered as reason has reign;
Its focus, filtered and refined --
Wisdom's intuitions sustain.
The silence of a simple life
Draws harmony from deep inside:
With loving peace, moments are rife
With meaning -- here peace can abide!
(c) Paul Buis, 2002
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1. Isaiah 32:13-18
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